…Pantami kicks, cites Electoral Act violation
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State has adopted Jamilu Ishiyaku Gwamna as its consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 election, a decision that has immediately sparked resistance from former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Pantami.
The endorsement was reached yesterday during an enlarged stakeholders’ meeting presided over by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who also serves as the party’s leader in the state. Party stakeholders at the meeting unanimously backed Gwamna, effectively sidelining Pantami, who had been widely speculated to be a strong contender in the race.
Beyond the governorship slot, the meeting also ratified consensus candidates for the state’s three senatorial districts, six House of Representatives seats, and all 24 State House of Assembly constituencies, signaling a broad strategy by the party to present a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, Pantami swiftly rejected the outcome, describing the adoption of Gwamna as unlawful. In a statement issued by Professor Suleiman Mohammed on behalf of the Pantamiyya Movement, the former minister argued that the consensus arrangement contravenes provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
Pantami’s camp insists that due process was not followed and warned that imposing candidates could trigger internal disputes within the party if not addressed.
